The fracture mechanics formulas for split-tension strips

Ragip Ince

The notched beams have been commonly used in concrete fracture. In this study, the
splitting-strip specimens, which have some advantages – compactness and lightness – com-
pared to beams, are analyzed for effective crack models. Using the Fourier integrals and
Fourier series, a formula for the maximum tensile strength of concrete is first derived for an
un-notched splitting-strip in the plane of loading. Subsequently, the linear elastic fracture
mechanics formulas of the splitting-strip specimens, namely the stress intensity factor KI ,
the crack mouth opening displacement CMOD, and the crack opening displacement profile
COD, are determined for different load-distributed widths via the weight function.